Agenda Profile: Mait Klaassen
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Chemicals Act (701 SE)
2025-11-11
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for amending the Chemicals Act, the goal of which is to ensure legal clarity and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. The approach is policy- and procedure-focused, emphasizing the clarification of the transposition of the European Union directive (Seveso III). In reality, no new substantive requirements are being added; rather, the law is simply being made clearer.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of industrial safety regulations, especially the provisions of the Seveso III directive and the obligation to report major accidents. He/She is proficient in the technical details, referring to the role of the Rescue Board, the existence of siren posts, and various notification methods (e.g., the ERR alarm system, notification by bicycle).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and neutral, characteristic of the rapporteur for the leading committee, who provides an overview of the history of the draft proposal and the committee's deliberations. Logical arguments are employed, and consensus decisions are highlighted, while emotional appeals are avoided.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity reflects active participation in the legislative process, providing a detailed overview of the Environmental Committee session (November 4) and the planned agenda for the plenary sessions (November 11 and 18). The speaker’s role is to clarify and advance the proceedings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no opposition. The only amendment submitted (by Rain Epler) was fully taken into account by the leading committee and was deemed entirely reasonable, which indicates a lack of conflict regarding the matter under review.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The working style is highly consensual and open. It is emphasized that all procedural decisions were reached by consensus, and the proposed amendment was discussed and supported in collaboration with representatives of the ministries (Ministry of the Interior, the Rescue Board, MKM).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level (the transposition of Estonian law) and the international level (the EU directive). The regional focus is used illustratively, referring to smaller hazardous enterprises in peripheral areas (e.g., petrol stations) in connection with notification methods.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations support reducing the administrative burden on businesses by requiring documents to be submitted only electronically going forward, specifically via the information system of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority. This emphasizes efficiency and digitalization.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social aspect addresses the obligation to inform the public and neighboring businesses in the event of major incidents, with a focus on guaranteeing public safety. The objective is to clarify that communication outside the company's territory must be handled via the Rescue Board, thereby ensuring systematic and secure notification.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on technical amendments to the Chemicals Act concerning major accident safety and notification. The speaker, acting as a representative of the leading committee, is a strong proponent and facilitator of the bill's proceedings, with the goal of concluding the second reading and moving the draft legislation to the final vote.
1 Speeches Analyzed